Since its introduction in 1905, the Hi-Lift has been the go-to for off-road enthusiasts. You see them mounted on roof racks, bumpers, hoods, and darn near everything else these days, and while you might think that’s because of how useful they are, I’d disagree. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no questioning the effectiveness or versatility…
Field Tested: Engel HD30 Soft-Sided Cooler
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal, Summer 2018. Just when we thought 12-volt refrigerators were all the rage, the cooler revolution began. First, high-quality rotomolded cooler boxes came to market boasting the ability to keep ice for a week. Next came soft-sided models with durable construction and everyday usability (think überlunchbox) and portability….
Field Tested: Weego JS12 Jump Starter
We’ve all been there, turn the key and a faint click click click is heard from the engine bay, the result of a flat battery. If you are fortunate enough to be parked at the mall or with friends, you are golden. But if it happens while traveling alone in the backcountry, you will pat…
Field Tested: Alubox
It’s a constant conundrum—how to stash, store, and keep track of gear in an overlanding vehicle. Not to mention keeping fragile equipment dry, dust-free and, hopefully, not crushed by the other fragile equipment crammed into small spaces. My wife and I selected a Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Short Bed as our overlanding platform because we…
Purple Lizard’s East Coast Adventure Maps
We’ve all heard it before, whether from a friend, an acquaintance, or someone on a forum: “There are no good trails on the East Coast.” Sadly, it’s easy to believe. Unlike the Southwest where sprawling undeveloped landscapes are in abundance, the East Coast has been privatized so much that it can be difficult to find…
Field Tested: Yokaro TPMS
I’d venture to say that most people know that running the correct air pressure can extend the life of their tires, make their journey more comfortable, improve fuel economy, and keep them safe on the road, yet few of them regularly check their tires. I’ll admit it, I was one of those set it and…
Factor 55 FlatLink E
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal, Summer 2012. If you stop by Factor 55’s booth at a trade show you will find a variety of their winch shackle mounts disfigured, torn, and mutilated. This might seem odd, until owner Mike Costa hands you a spec sheet from the US-certified destruction lab they use…
New Release: Main Line Overland GTS Suspension
Overlanders face a rather unique problem when it comes to choosing suspension systems. Unlike racers who only need high-performance systems for lightweight trucks or long-haul truckers that need stiff springs for heavy cargo, we need something that balances comfort and performance on the dirt with payload capacity and reliability. Only the right combination will get…
The Get Lost Box
It seems that monthly boxes have become all the rage lately. Whether you’re looking for healthy meal ingredients, a collection of fine shaving products, or a gift pack of fair-trade toys and organic, high-end treats for your pet poodle Froo-froo, there’s a subscription plan for you. Truthfully, I have never been into the idea, but…
Field Tested: Rally Armor Mud Flaps
Let’s take a moment to talk about mud flaps. No, not the kind with chrome women or the words “Back Off” written on them, but the simple yet effective ones available from a range of manufacturers. These inexpensive products can do much more than keep your door handles clean on the trail. They help to…
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market
Last week one of the largest outdoor shows in North America got underway, the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. There were some major changes this year, the largest of which was a shift in venue from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Denver, Colorado, but there was also plenty that stayed the same. Everywhere you looked people…
First Test: New 2018 Gear from MSR, Therm-a-Rest, and Seal Line
My wife likes to chide me for my ability to generate bad ideas. When I told her I was going to squeeze in one last bikepacking trip to the high peaks of Colorado just as winter storms are likely to crush my route—I realized she might have a point. The truth is, I love the…
Field Tested: Think Tank Camera Bag
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal, Gear Guide 2017. One of the quandaries photographers face is how to transport an assortment of expensive equipment in different environments. When on field assignments my camera gear is toted around in a daypack, with additional lenses, bodies, and strobes stowed in a Pelican case. However,…
How To Build an Inexpensive Rear-door Awning
“Gosh, how I love that small awning,” Karin-Marijke exclaimed, raising her voice above the noise from the rain pelting on the canvas. She stood cooking outside but stayed dry. “How come it took us this long to build one?” I had pondered that question myself and reflected on the start of our trip. The first…
Happy Holidays
As we round the final bend into 2018, we wanted to take a moment to wish you and your families a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year. Wherever you are, whatever you’re celebrating, and whoever you’re celebrating it with, we hope you’re making memories as warm and inviting as a campfire on a…
Head to Head: Nemo Star Gaze vs. Blue Ridge Chairworks Outer Banks
I think we can all agree nothing beats a warm fire on a cool night with a tasty beverage and a comfortable place to sit. I’ve tried all manner of camp chairs over the years, some good, many not worth the materials they’re made of. In the last few months I’ve come to love two…
Field Tested: TrekPak Custom Dividers for Alu-Box 42
My name is Christophe, and I’m a compulsive organizer. Some of you might find that humorous, but I know many of you are shaking your heads in affirmation because you too just can’t stand having one tiny thing out of place. Fortunately for us, we have a support system—TrekPak. I first started using TrekPak organizers…
ComeUp UW 5000si
We love to talk about vehicle-mounted winches here in the four-wheel drive world, but not every job calls for a 9,000-pound pull. Sometimes a lighter and more portable winch is needed, and that’s where the utility winch comes in. These products are perfect for hauling trucks and UTVs onto trailers, lifting and moving heavy objects…
The Ultimate Adventure Gift List
If you’ve seen our home page in the last month, you may have noticed that we published our holiday gift guide a little differently this year. Instead of lumping gifts of every size and shape into one article, we separated them into three distinct categories, one for every budget. Our first guide covered cool gear…
Sneak Peek: MSR Hubba Tour 2
When foul weather forces me within the safe haven of a tent, nothing is more precious than a cavernous vestibule. With the passing of every wet minute, each inch of dry space is called upon to stash gear and makes for the ideal place to prepare meals or just stretch out. As useful as a…